Easy Homemade Healthy Granola
A delightful and nourishing breakfast or snack option, packed with textures and flavors that elevate your snacking experience.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups 3 cups certified gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats These golden-brown oats are chewy and provide a hearty base.
- 3/4 cup 3/4 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped Nutty and crunchy, these almonds add a rich flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds These seeds are slightly sweet and deliver a nice bite.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds Buttery and tender, these seeds contribute a delightful crunch.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon This warm spice infuses your granola with aromatic sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt Just a pinch enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup pure maple syrup This natural sweetener adds a rich, caramel-like aroma.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil Both options provide a moist, tender base that helps the granola clump together.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Aromatic and sweet, it elevates the flavor profile.
Fruits
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins These dried fruits provide bursts of sweetness, adding complexity and chewiness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, stir together the old-fashioned rolled oats, chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt.
- Pour in the pure maple syrup, olive oil (or melted coconut oil), and vanilla extract. Mix well until every oat and seed looks lightly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it firmly into one even layer.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-26 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the granola cool on the pan for at least 30 minutes before breaking it into pieces and stirring in the dried cranberries or raisins.
Notes
For chunkier granola, press the mixture down firmly on the baking sheet before baking. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for lasting freshness.